Rogers, Arkansas – Patrick Woodruff, founder of The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation and Senior Vice President of Encore Bank, Little Rock-based, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Rogers at the age of 42. Born on February 9, 1981, in Rogers, Arkansas, Patrick’s journey was marked by remarkable accomplishments and profound contributions to his community.

Patrick’s educational journey began at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and continued through Rogers Public Schools, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. His excellence in academics led to his membership in the National Honor Society. His prowess in sports, particularly baseball, shone brightly during his high school years at Rogers High School, where he earned All-Conference and All-State honors. In a testament to his athletic abilities, he was invited to play in the Arkansas High School All-Star game, where he was named MVP. Patrick’s name remains associated with Rogers High School, as he still holds five hitting records, and he was rightfully inducted into the Rogers High School Hall of Fame.

After high school, Patrick pursued his passion for baseball, playing at West-Ark (now UAFS), where he earned recognition on the All-Regional team. Subsequently, he joined the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s baseball team, playing under the esteemed Coach Norm DeBryn. In 2004, Patrick graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.

In 2006, Patrick married Meredith Jordan, his closest confidante and soulmate. Together, they built a fulfilling life in Rogers, marked by the arrival of three beautiful children: Cole, Miller, and Mattie. Sadly, the family faced the loss of their son Miller in 2011 to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). In honor of Miller’s memory and to support other families affected by SMA, Patrick and Meredith founded the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation. Through this foundation, they raised awareness, funded research, and offered vital support, making a substantial impact not only locally in northwest Arkansas but also nationwide.

Professionally, Patrick thrived in the banking sector, holding the role of Commercial Relationship Manager at Encore Bank. His affinity for people and his ability to connect on a personal level made him ideally suited for this role. Patrick cherished the outdoors, a passion he inherited from his father and passed on to his children and their friends. He instilled in them the importance of leaving a place better than they found it, just as he had been taught.

Chris Roberts, CEO of Encore Bank, expressed profound sadness at the loss of their colleague and friend, Patrick Woodruff, in a statement provided to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. Roberts reflected on Patrick’s exceptional qualities, describing him as a valued member of the Encore family who had brought laughter and positivity to the workplace with his infectious smile and unique sense of humor.

Encore Bank shared a post on facebook and wrote,

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Patrick Woodruff, who passed away over the weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Patrick’s family and friends during this difficult time. Patrick was a valued member of the Encore family, serving as a Commercial Relationship Manager in our Rogers office since November of 2019. His infectious smile and unique sense of humor brightened our workplace, bringing laughter and positivity to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who will be greatly missed”.

Patrick Woodruff joined Encore Bank as a Commercial Relationship Manager in the Rogers office in November 2019, and his contributions to the bank and the community were widely recognized.

Patrick Woodruff, a native of Rogers, was an alumnus of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2004. With nearly two decades of banking expertise, Patrick specialized in commercial lending and had previously worked for Bank OZK for seven years before his tenure with Encore Bank.

Beyond his career, Patrick Woodruff was also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He was the President and Co-founder of The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation, affectionately referred to as “I’m With Miller.” Patrick and his wife, Meredith, established the foundation in 2011 following the loss of their second-born son, Miller, who battled spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The foundation’s mission is centered on raising awareness, funding SMA research, and offering support to families confronting similar challenges posed by the condition.

Devoted to his family, Patrick enjoyed coaching Cole’s sports teams, earning endearing nicknames such as Coach Patty, Coach Patsy, or Coach Woody. His love for his family extended to cherished activities like playing soft toss with his daughter Mattie or grilling steaks to perfection on the back patio. He adored beach vacations, skiing trips, golf outings, and the serenity of Artex Ranch, finding joy in every family adventure.

Patrick’s boisterous laughter, charismatic personality, and infectious smile had the power to brighten any room and uplift the spirits of those around him. He was a loyal friend who went to great lengths to help others, never ending a conversation without expressing his love for his friends. While Patrick’s physical presence will be deeply missed, his memory will live on through the countless stories and cherished moments shared with him.

Though Patrick’s passing brings profound sadness, there is solace in knowing that he has reunited with his beloved son Miller in Heaven, finally able to say, “I’m With Miller.”

Nathan Ball pour tribute by saying,

Rough day yesterday learning the passing of my buddy Patrick Woodruff. Snickas, Patsy, Woody, whatever you called this man, he was one of the good ones. Never a stranger, always time for a good story or cold Busch Light, and infectious laugh. He will be missed, and he is synonymous with Rogers, AR. I’m assusing I’m with Miller hit differently yesterday, but I hear you buddy, you are with Miller! Love you Woody!

A visitation to celebrate Patrick’s life will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers. The memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, also at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers, with arrangements directed by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation through the following website: